NEWRY IN LATE, LATE SHOW WIN

THE inclement weather continued to disrupt the Championship fixture schedule with two games falling victim to the conditions on Saturday.

The top-of-the table clash between H&W Welders and Institute was called off, as was the crucial meeting at the foot of the table between Dergview and Lurgan Celtic.

The fixture postponement at

Tillysburn Park gave both Newry and Ballyclare the opportunity to move into second as the two clashed at the Newry Showgrounds.

It was first blood to the Comrades as defender Chris Rodgers gave Clifford Adams’ side the lead, before late drama turned the game on its head.

Neil Mullen levelled the game in the final minute of normal time before the hosts concluded a thrilling finale as Keith Johnston (above) netted the winner.

Darren Mullen’s side have now lost just one of their last 16 league games while Ballyclare have been beaten in four of their last five in the league.

The other top six clash saw Portadown leapfrog Loughgall into fifth as the Ports secured a 2-1 victory at Lakeview Park.

Luke Wilson gave Niall Currie’s side an early lead before Nathaniel Ferris levelled it up against his former club.

Wilson netted his second, and the decisive, goal in the second period.

The biggest margin of victory of the league season to date for any side came at Inver Park as Larne battered Knockbreda 8-0.

January arrival David Mcdaid netted four goals for Tiernan Lynch’s side, while fellow new arrival Thomas Stewart also grabbed a double.

Defender Paul Finnegan – who also arrived last month – was on the scoresheet as was David Scullion, who now has five goals in his last four outings.

There was a scoreless encounter at the Limavady Showgrounds as the hosts were frustrated by a well-organised PSNI outfit.

Colin Malone’s side have now put seven points between themselves and the bottom two with their focus now on avoiding being dragged down into a potential promotion/relegation play-off.

It’s been all change of late at Newforge, the latest being a parting of the ways between the club and former manager Ian Campbell

(circled) who has stepped down from his position.